Cypriot leaders discuss upcoming New York summit

LEFKOSA (A.A) - January 4, 2011 - President Dervis Eroglu of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias discussed the upcoming New York summit during their gathering on Wednesday in buffer zone in Lefkosa. The two leaders took up the process till New York summit as well as what would happen after the summit which will take place between January 22 and 24 with participation of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Ban's special advisor for Cyprus Alexander Downer told reporters after the meeting that the period till the summit in Green Tree, New York would be very busy, adding that there were many things to do till the summit. Downer said that the target of the summit would be to help the two leaders getting closer on basic issues. Noting that Eroglu and Christofias had reached consensus on some main issues, Downer said that however, difference of opinion was still continuing on management & share of power, property & land, and citizenship issues. Downer said that if the leaders did not reach a consensus during the summit in New York, it would be a complete deadlock, adding that in that case Ban would have to think about the next step and hold talks with the leaders.